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FAQs

There are no academic admission requirements for HTLA! Students simply
apply and admission is done by lottery.

Is there a "sibling preference" when it comes to admission to
HTLA?

Siblings are automatically admitted.

Can a student with an IEP apply?

Yes. HTLA provides services to students with IEPs.

Is HTLA a Math/Science school?

HTLA is an inquiry-based school where the lines between "technical" and
"academic" are deliberately blurred. While we encourage students with
interests in math and science to apply, and while we provide exciting,
cutting edge experiences in math and science, similar excitement and quality
are to be found in the humanities and the arts. HTLA offers students a high
quality broad-based education that will serve them in all phases of adult
life.

What is curriculum integration?

Curriculum at HTLA is framed around answering questions and solving
problems. Integration at HTLA means that we address issues as they are found
in the real world-- in teams, studying questions and themes that cut across
disciplines. In a well integrated curriculum unit, students experience
pursuing one important question or theme in several classes.

I'd prefer to take college chemistry rather than 10th grade
chemistry at HTLA. May I?

Because we believe in the value of teaching teams and project-based
learning, we are very clear that students can take college courses in
addition to our program, but not instead of our program.

What foreign language classes are offered?

HTLA students take Spanish 1 and 2. If a student wishes to take
additional Spanish or another foreign language at a community college - in
additon to HTLA Spanish 1 and 2--they may do so by obtaining a concurrent
enrollment form from the academic counselor.

I already took physics (or algebra or geometry) in middle
school, so I don't want to take it at HTLA.

While courses taken before HTLA may indeed be valuable, we believe that
courses taken at other schools are not the equivalent of the HTLA
experience. All entering 9th grade students must take the HTLA 9th grade
curriculum.

Why doesn't HTLA offer AP classes?

At HTLA we believe that AP classes are not the best path for a deep and
broad education. Instead of preparing our students for an end of the
semester test created by the College Board, we think that students are
better served by engaging in interdisciplinary, inquiry and project-based
instruction. This allows students to delve deeply into the curriculum. In
addition, a student must earn at least a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test to
receive college credit for the course - if the college accepts AP test
credits. We prefer that students take actual college courses - in the summer
or after school - that are always accepted by colleges and universities.

Won't I be at a disadvantage because I do not have the
additional points on my GPA because I haven't taken AP classes?

No. There is no difference between the additional grade point given for
AP classes and the additional grade point that is given for honors level
classes. Any student may enter into an "honors contract" with their teacher.
After fulfilling the contract (often an additional project or reseach and
presentation) you will receive honors credit and the additional grade point
on your transcript.

Will HTLA's unique approach harm students' chances of getting
into the college of their choice?

Thus far, 100% of HTLA graduates have been accepted to a 2 or 4 year
college. A complete list of colleges and universities where HTLA students
have been accepted can be found on our profile (under "College Counseling").

Are there sports teams at HTLA?

No.

Can I go to another school and play on their team?

No.

What is the school uniform?

Beige khaki pants or skirt and navy blue, light blue, white, or black
polo shirts. HTLA sells white and navy blue polo shirts in the main office
for $22.00, but students are not required to wear a polo shirt with the HTLA
logo. Sweatshirts are not allowed nor are hooded jackets. Student may wear a
white, blue, or black sweater or jacket over their uniform.